JP4803403B2 - Probe for dental optical diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a diagnostic apparatus in dental practice, and more particularly to a probe for a dental optical diagnostic apparatus using an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) apparatus.

Conventional diagnostic apparatuses and methods in dental practice include, for example, X-ray images, visual observation by lamp irradiation, probe, fluorescence measurement by laser excitation, root canal length measurement, laser Doppler blood flow measurement, three-dimensional X-ray CT, etc. By means.
The use example of the OCT apparatus for diagnosis in a living body is used, for example, in ophthalmology to acquire an optical tomographic image of a detailed structure below the fundus retina.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-135853

However, the diagnosis of each item described above has the following problems.
For example, diagnosis by X-ray image has a problem of invasiveness, and other measuring means lack accuracy.
In addition, an example of the use of the OCT apparatus in the ophthalmology is that the measurement target is a soft tissue made of water, blood, fat, and the like, and the upper surface of the affected part is open to the space, so that the measurement is easy and the apparatus can be implemented early. Has been done.
On the other hand, in dentistry, a measurement target is a tooth part, and the tooth part is composed of a hard tissue made of dentin and enamel, the soft tissue of the gingival part, and a tissue around the tooth.
And the space which can be used in the oral cavity where the dentition exists is narrow, and the shape varies greatly between individuals.
Therefore, in the OCT apparatus that measures the reflected light reflected at a predetermined depth of the hard and soft tissues of the tooth part, the low-coherence light whose contact wavelength is selected in contact with the tooth surface is irradiated with the reflected light. The shape of the probe (handpiece) at the end of the apparatus for receiving light, the internal structure and operability are particularly important.
The present invention provides various probes for a dental photodiagnostic apparatus having non-invasive and high resolution that solve the above-mentioned problems.

In view of the above, the present inventors have solved the above problems by the following means as a result of intensive experimental research.
(1) Illumination light emitting means for irradiating illumination light to the teeth of the subject;
Means for imaging a surface image by reflected light reflected by the tooth portion of the subject based on the illumination light through an imaging lens;
An observation image display means for displaying an image of the observed tooth image;
(2) means for generating low coherent light having a wavelength in the range from visible light to normal infrared light for irradiating the tooth part;
Scanning a predetermined region of the tooth portion using the low coherent light as signal light, reflected light from a predetermined deep portion in the scanning region,
Provided in a dental optical diagnostic apparatus comprising OCT means for acquiring an optical tomographic image of the scanning region by interference with a reference light having a slight frequency difference from the signal light or given phase modulation. A probe (9) ,
(3) (a) The probe (9) has a bulk type (spatial propagation type) signal acquisition configuration for acquiring the optical tomographic image,
(B) The configuration of the probe (9) , whose tip is in contact with the tooth,
A large-diameter rectangular tube (85) for gripping and controlling the posture freely,
A small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) projecting forward from its front end;
A measurement window (12) opened on the side or front of the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) ;
A signal line extending from the base of the large-diameter rectangular tube (85) and a tube covering the signal line;
(C) And inside the square tube (85) having a large diameter, a surface plate having the following configuration, that is, a light source (31) emitting low coherent light,
An optical fiber (32) for propagating light from the light source (31) ;
A lens (60) disposed at the tip of the optical fiber (32) ;
A beam splitter (75) disposed in front of the lens (60) ;
A reference light generator comprising a right-angle prism (61a) , a spatial propagation path, a mirror (78), and a vibrator (73) provided at a lower portion of the beam splitter (75);
A cylindrical lens (88a) provided on the beam splitter (75); a one-dimensional image sensor (76) for receiving an optical tomographic image via the cylindrical lens (88a) ;
A cylindrical lens (88b) disposed in front of the beam splitter (75);
A right angle prism (61b) which is disposed in front of the cylindrical curyl lens 88b and bends the optical path at a right angle to the back side;
A galvanometer scanner (86) disposed on the back side of the right-angle prism (61b) and scanning laterally according to the vibration direction;
A surface plate provided with an optical system comprising a mirror (87) for reflecting the reflected light from the galvanometer scanner (86) in the direction of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) ;
And a mechanism for moving the surface plate back and forth to perform scanning in the depth direction,
(D) Further, in the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) , the signal light from the mirror (87) is sent to the measurement window ( opened on the side surface or the front surface of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30)). 12) and a beam splitter (70) for acquiring reflected light from the tooth portion and capturing a surface image;
A camera (36) for surface image acquisition and a white light source (59) for the camera (36) ;
A probe for a dental optical diagnostic device, comprising: a measurement window (12) provided on a side surface or a front surface of the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) .

(2) above (1) of the dental light diagnostic device probe according to the base periphery of the rectangular tube of the large diameter, arranged a rotatable ring-shaped turning portion, the ring-shaped rotating portion dental to the side of it and fixed to the distal end portion of the articulated arm, and the attitude control of freely the probe by their movement, at stopping of the main position is characterized in that you Dekiruru so optical diagnostic equipment.

(3) The probe for an optical diagnostic apparatus according to (1) or (2) above includes a probe cover that is attached to and detached from the probe , and the probe cover projects forward from the large-diameter rectangular tube and its front end. the small-diameter semicylindrical that is, closely along each shape, and has a detachable possible shape, measuring window is being opened set the distal end portion side or the front of the cover, used Yogo is dental light diagnostic device probe you, characterized in that it disinfected removed.

(4) above (1) to (3) comprises one probe cover optical diagnostic apparatus probe according to item 1 is detachably thereto of the probe cover, the probe body to prevent from shock during mounting, using Yogo intended to obtain line disinfection,
Two layers of cushioning material in close contact with each other with respect to the large-diameter square tube and a small-diameter semi-cylinder projecting forward from the front end portion thereof, and an outer surface cover provided thereon More
Further, dental light diagnostic device probe you, wherein the measurement window at the distal end side or the front of the cover is shall such is open set.

(5) above (3) or (4) an optical diagnostic device probe according to is provided with a mechanism for preventing the blurring, intake Release the mechanism to be sucked by the vacuum before and after the measurement window of the probe cover have,
In addition, the cover has a mechanism that can be adjusted back and forth manually,
Dental light for diagnostic equipment probes, wherein those that can be fixed after the movement of the suction plate in position before and after the toothing of interest.
(6) The probe for an optical diagnostic apparatus according to (3) or (4) above includes a mechanism for preventing the shake, and the mechanism is a vibration isolator having elasticity before and after the measurement window of the probe cover. Have
In addition, the cover has a mechanism that can be adjusted back and forth manually,
A probe for a dental optical diagnostic apparatus, characterized in that the vibration isolator can be fixed after moving to an appropriate position before and after the target tooth.

According to the present invention, the following excellent effects can be exhibited.
1. According to claim 1 of the present invention,
The bulk type diagnostic probe has a large-diameter square tube for gripping and freely controlling the posture of the diagnostic probe in which the tip used for the bulk type comes into contact with the tooth part in the oral cavity, A small-diameter semi-cylinder projecting forward from its front end, a measuring window established on the side or front of the tip of the small-diameter cylinder, and rotatable to the outer periphery of the base of the large-diameter cylinder A mechanism in which a ring-shaped rotating part is arranged, the tip of the articulated arm is fixed to the side surface of the ring-shaped rotating part, and the posture is freely controlled by the movement and stopped at a required position. In addition, a light source that emits low-coherent light having a wavelength in the range of visible light to ordinary infrared light, an optical fiber that propagates the light, and a tip of the fiber are disposed inside a large-diameter rectangular tube. A lens, and a beam splitter (75) disposed in front of the lens; An optical path is bent at a right angle from the lower part of the beam splitter (75) through a prism, reflected by a mirror, having a vibrator and a spatial propagation path, and a cylindrical from the upper part of the beam splitter (75). A one-dimensional image sensor for receiving an optical tomographic image via a lens, a cylindrical lens disposed in front of the beam splitter (75),

Inside the probe provided with an optical system comprising a galvanometer scanner disposed below the galvanometer scanner that scans in the lateral direction according to the vibration direction, and a mirror that reflects the reflected light from the galvanometer scanner in the semi-cylindrical direction of the small diameter. An optical system surface plate, a mechanism for moving the optical system surface plate in the probe back and forth and scanning in the depth direction, and a signal light from the mirror disposed in the small-diameter semi-cylinder. A beam splitter (75) for transmitting the light beam downward, to obtain reflected light from the tooth portion, or disposed in the small-diameter semi-cylinder, and forward the signal light from the mirror, and the tooth Equipped with a mechanism to obtain the reflected light from the unit,
Alternatively, it further comprises a beam splitter (70) for capturing a surface image, a camera for acquiring the surface image, and a light source for the camera,
A main optical system including a galvanometer scanner is housed in a measurement window provided on the side or front of the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder and a large-diameter square tube of the probe.
Since the signal line and the tube covering the signal line are provided extending from the base of the large-diameter cylinder, the practitioner can freely set the diagnostic position by grasping the probe.

  The surface image by the camera and the OCT unit obtains a one-dimensional reflected light profile, and further obtains a two-dimensional optical tomographic image by scanning the light beam in the lateral direction (within the probe). It facilitates diagnosis.

  In addition, by utilizing the fact that the spatial propagation path (glass rod) has a higher refractive index of light than air, the actual optical path length is shortened, the overall length of the diagnostic probe is shortened, the weight is reduced, and the operability is improved. It is the purpose.

  The tooth part is irradiated with the signal light as a point, and the surface image and the optical tomographic image can be obtained from the reflected light, and the configuration is simple.

2. According to the invention of claim 2,
A rotatable ring-shaped rotating part is provided on the outer periphery of the base of the large-diameter square tube, the tip of the articulated arm is fixed to the side surface, and the posture is freely controlled by the movement; and It is possible to stop at a required position and diagnose without a probe shake.

3. According to the invention of claim 3,
In addition to the effects of claims 1 and 2,
In the probe for an optical diagnostic apparatus, the probe cover to be attached or detached is a large-diameter cylinder or square tube and a small-diameter semi-cylinder projecting forward from its front end, or a small-diameter projecting The cylindrical part has a shape that is in close contact with each shape and can be attached and detached, and a measuring window is provided on the side or front of the front end of the cover. It can be worn and can be removed and disinfected after use.

4. According to the invention of claim 4,
In addition to the effects of claims 1 to 3,
In the probe for optical diagnostic equipment, the probe cover, which is attached to the probe for disinfection after use to prevent the probe body from impact at the time of mounting, and to set the measurement window orientation, A shock absorber in close contact with each cylinder or square tube and a small-diameter semi-cylinder projecting forward from the front end thereof, or a small-diameter semi-cylindrical portion projecting; Since it consists of two layers of the outer cover provided on top of each other, even if there is an impact from the outside, it is possible to maintain precise optical axis alignment of the optical system inside the main body.

According to the inventions of claim 5, claim 5 and claim 6 ,
In addition to the effects of claims 3 and 4,
In a probe for an optical diagnostic device, a mechanism for preventing the tip of the probe from abutting against a toothed portion from being shaken by a vacuum before and after the measurement window of the probe cover, or an anti-vibration having elasticity and adhesiveness A cover is provided, and the cover is equipped with a mechanism that can be adjusted manually in the front and rear direction, and the suction cup or vibration isolator can be fixed after moving to an appropriate position before and after the target tooth part. It is possible to prevent the shake of the probe at the time.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a built-in dental optical diagnostic apparatus incorporated in a dental chair unit according to the present invention and having a cylindrical diagnostic probe at the tip of an articulated arm.
In the figure, 1 is a dental chair unit, 2 is a built-in optical diagnostic device, 3 is a main body storage unit, 4 is an operation unit, 5 is a display unit, 6 is a main pole, 7 is an articulated arm, and 8 is an arm tip. 9 is a diagnostic probe, 10 is a probe rotation part, 11 is a probe tip, 12 is a measurement window, 13 is a probe and a light pole, 14 is a light arm, and 15 is a tray table. , 16 is a handpiece holder, 17 is a chair, 18 is a spitton, 19 is an assistant-side handpiece holder, 20 is a tray table arm, and 122 is a foot switch.

Below, arrangement | positioning of a dental chair unit, a dental optical diagnostic apparatus, and its diagnostic probe is shown.
In the built-in optical diagnostic apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1, circuits and mechanisms other than the diagnostic probe 9 are disposed in the main body storage portion 3 and the tray table 15.
Further, a pole 6 erected from the vicinity of the side surface of the chair 17, a tray table arm 20, a probe and a light pole 13 are disposed from the pole 6, and a light arm is provided from the probe and the light pole 13. 14 and the articulated arm 7 are arranged. The articulated arm 7 has an articulated arm 8 with an articulated arm 10 at its distal end and an articulated arm 10. A diagnostic probe 9 having a window 12 and having an optical tomographic image or an OCT optical system for acquiring a surface image and an optical tomographic image is provided therein.
Then, the measurement window 12 at the distal end portion 11 of the diagnostic probe 9 is positioned at a predetermined position of the affected part (described later) of the tooth portion of the subject by posture control by the articulated arm 7 and the probe rotating unit 10. Can abut.
In addition, since the diagnostic probe 9 is not shaken at the time of contact, it is possible to obtain a stable wide-field surface image and a small-area optical tomographic image.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a built-in dental optical diagnostic apparatus incorporated in the dental chair unit of the present invention and provided with a diagnostic probe at the tip of a tube.
In the figure, 21 is a tube, 22 is a diagnostic probe holder, and 23 is the tip of the tube.
The diagnostic probe 9 of the built-in optical diagnostic apparatus 2 includes a measurement window 12 at the distal end portion 11 of the probe at the distal end 23 of the tube 21 extended from the diagnostic probe holder 22, and a surface inside. And an OCT optical system for acquiring an image and acquiring an optical tomographic image.

The measurement window 12 at the distal end portion 11 of the diagnostic probe 9 is diagnosed by the practitioner by the flexibility of the optical fiber or the signal line and the tube 21 covering the affected portion (described later) of the tooth portion 24 of the subject. Since the position of the probe 9 can be grasped and freely controlled, and a predetermined position can be contacted, a surface image with a wide field of view and an OCT image (optical tomographic image) with a small area can be obtained.
When the diagnostic probe 9 is not used, it is stored in the diagnostic probe holder 22.
Further, a buffer material 22 ′ is disposed on the inner surface of the diagnostic probe holder 22, and absorbs the impact during the storage to protect the mechanism inside the diagnostic probe 9.
Since this apparatus does not use the articulated arm 7, the apparatus can be simplified.
Since the built-in optical diagnostic apparatus 2 is incorporated in the dental chair unit 1, the present apparatus is useful as a dental chair unit having a diagnostic function for teeth by OCT.
In addition to the above type, an independent cart or stand type (not shown) equipped with a diagnostic function for teeth by OCT may be provided.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a diagnostic probe in contact with a tooth portion in the oral cavity during diagnosis,
(A) The figure is a diagram in which a diagnostic probe having a measurement window on the side is in contact with the front side of the lower left dentition via an articulated arm,
(B) The figure shows the back side of the lower left dentition with a diagnostic probe having a measurement window on the side,
(C) The figure shows a diagram in which a diagnostic probe having a measurement window in front is in contact with the surface of the lower jaw front dentition.
In the figure, 24 is a tooth part, 25 is a tooth, 26 is gingiva, 27 is an oral cavity, and 28 is a finger.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the measurement window 12 (side or front) of the distal end portion 11 of the diagnostic probe 9 is placed on the target tooth portion (affected portion) 24 with respect to the finger 28. A part is applied to the periphery of the lip outside the oral cavity 27 as a fulcrum, and the surface, back surface, top surface, and gingival surface, back surface, etc. of any tooth in the dentition are free from shaking by contacting with a suitable angle. Can measure without blind spots.

Next, various types of diagnostic probes will be described for each external shape and diagnostic signal acquisition means.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a diagnostic probe provided with a measurement window on a side surface of a large cylinder and a front end portion of a small semi-cylinder.
In the figure, 72 indicates a cover.
A cover 72 for gripping and controlling the posture freely, and a probe distal end portion 11 protruding forward from the front end portion thereof have a measurement window 12 opened on the side surface of the distal end portion of the cover 72. ing.
Note that the cover 72 has an integral shape and covers the small semi-cylinder and the large cylinder.
Further, a rotating portion 10 of a ring-shaped probe is disposed on the outer periphery of the base portion of the large-diameter cylindrical cover 72, and the rotating portion 8 at the tip of the articulated arm 7 is provided on the side surface of the rotating portion 10 of the probe. It is possible to fix the position and to freely control the posture by the movement and to stop at a required position. And there is no shake when stopping.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a diagnostic probe provided with a measurement window in front of the large cylinder and the front end of the small semi-cylinder.
As shown in the figure, an optical fiber extended from the base of the large-diameter cylinder, a signal line, and a tube 21 covering the signal line are provided.
The practitioner can grip and move the cover 72 to freely control the posture. Moreover, since the measurement window 12 is located in front of the tip portion 11 of the probe, it is suitable for measuring the surface of the front part of the dentition.

FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory block diagram of the bulk dental optical diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.
In this example, the surface image by the camera and the OCT unit obtain a one-dimensional reflected light profile, and further, the three-dimensional light is scanned by depth scanning and lateral scanning (within the probe). A tomographic image is obtained, and diagnosis is facilitated by displaying both the surface image and the optical tomographic image.
Also, bulk type (spatial propagation type) is mainly used for transmission / reception of optical system signals.
In the figure, reference numeral 73 denotes a vibrator.

This block diagram uses a space propagation mechanism in place of the low coherence interference system in FIG. 11 and the optical fiber 32 used for signal propagation between the irradiation lenses and between the detectors.
In the figure, 31 is a light source, 32 is an optical fiber, 33 is a low coherence interferometer, 35 is signal light, 35 'is an optical path, 36 is a camera, 37' is a detector, 38 is a signal line, 39 is an amplifier, 40 is Demodulator, 41 A / D converter, 42 signal processing unit, 43 computer, 44 storage device, 45 LAN connection, 46 printer, 47 image processing / scanning control unit, 48 signal line, 49 Is a display unit, 50 is a surface image, 51 is a designated area, 52 is an optical tomographic image, 53 is a measurement pattern, 54 is measurement data, 55 is a horizontal scan, 56 is a depth scan, and 57 is an image signal line. .

As shown in the drawing, first, the white light source (59 (see FIG. 12)) in the optical diagnostic probe 9 is transmitted from the front periphery of the surface image capturing camera 36 by the optical fiber (58 (see FIG. 12)). The tooth portion 24 is irradiated, and a surface image 50 of a wide area is obtained by the surface image capturing camera 36.
This image is stored in the storage device 44 of the computer 43 and displayed as a surface image 50 on the surface image display unit of the monitor of the display unit 49 by the operation of the computer 43.
In addition, an area designation designation area 51 for designating a display area of the optical tomographic image 52 in the surface image 50 is displayed on the monitor.
Next, the optical tomographic image 52 is acquired by switching the light source 31 as a light source of low coherent light by switching, for example, SLD or mode-locked laser: Cr-4 +: Mg2SiO4 (forsterite) or the like having a different wavelength region. To ordinary infrared light (not shown).
The low-coherent light (signal light) passes through the optical fiber 32, passes through the low-coherence interferometer 33, converges the signal light 35 with the cylindrical lens 88, and is irradiated on the tooth portion 24. Reflected.

The light reflected from the predetermined depth is combined with the reference light by the low coherence interferometer 33 through the reverse path to the above, and then detected by the detector 37 ′, which is a one-dimensional image sensor. 42.
The interference signal amplified by the amplifier 39 is demodulated by the demodulator 40, converted to digital by the A / D converter 41, and sent to the computer 43 of the image processing / scanning control unit 47.
Then, the surface image 50, the tomographic designation area 51 and the optical tomographic image 52 of the tooth portion by OCT in the area, the measurement pattern 53, the measurement data 54, and the like are displayed on the display unit 49. Use for diagnosis.
Further, the intermediate depth direction scanning 56 is performed by moving (not shown) the optical system surface plate 34 in the probe.

FIG. 6 is a structural view of a probe in which a mirror having an inclination of 45 ° is arranged at the tip of a small semi-cylinder.
(A) The figure is a front view, (b) The figure is a BB 'sectional view of (a) figure.
In the figure, reference numeral 77 denotes a mirror.
As shown in the figure, a mirror 77 having an inclination of 45 ° is disposed at the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder 30, and a measurement window 12 is provided below the tip, and the optical path 35 ′ with signal light as a surface. Thus, the tooth portion 24 is irradiated and an optical tomographic image is acquired from the reflected light.
FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a bulk type diagnostic probe having a curved tip.
In the figure, 79 is a cover, 80 is a curved image fiber, 81 is a measurement window, 82 is a large-diameter cylinder, and 83 is a hollow cone.
In the bulk diagnostic probe,
The diagnostic probe 9 in which the tip used is in contact with the tooth portion 24 in the oral cavity,
A large-diameter cylinder 82 for gripping and freely controlling the posture, and a funnel-shaped hollow cone 83 integrally formed with the front end of the cylinder and projecting forward from the front end;
A diagnostic curved image fiber 80 whose distal end is bent at 45 °, an insertion portion whose base is detachably inserted, and a measurement window 81 disposed at the distal end of the curved image fiber 80. It is equipped with.
In FIG. 7, articulated arms 7 and 8 are provided at the base of the probe.
FIG. 8 is a diagram in which a signal tube is disposed at the base of the probe of FIG.
The tube 21 is disposed directly from the base of the diagnostic probe 9.

FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a large-diameter rectangular tube bulk diagnostic probe,
FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of another large-diameter square tube bulk diagnostic probe.
In the figure, reference numeral 85 denotes a large diameter square tube.
The outer shape of the diagnostic probe 9 in which the tip used in the bulk mold shown in FIG. 9 abuts on the tooth portion 24 in the oral cavity is a large-diameter rectangular tube 85 for gripping and freely controlling the posture, A small-diameter semi-cylinder 30 projecting forward from the front end;
A measurement window 12 opened on the side surface of the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder 30;
A pivoting portion 10 of the pivotable probe is disposed on the outer periphery of the base of the large-diameter rectangular tube 85, and the tip of the articulated arm 7 is fixed to the side surface of the pivoting portion 10 of the probe. It is provided with a mechanism for freely controlling the posture by movement and stopping at a required position.
FIG. 10 shows a type in which the measurement window 12 is disposed on the front surface and includes a signal line extending from the base of the rectangular tube 85 and a tube 21 covering the signal line.

FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of a large-diameter rectangular tube bulk diagnostic probe,
(A) The figure is a front view, (B) The figure is a CC 'sectional view of (A).
FIG. 13 is a bottom view (partially perspective view) of FIG.
In the figure, 60 is a lens, 61 is a right angle prism, 63 is a microswitch, 64 is a stopper, 65 is a slide rail, 66 is a motor, 67 is a coupling, 73 is a vibrator, 74 is a glass rod, 75 is a beam splitter, Reference numeral 76 denotes an image sensor, 78 denotes a mirror, 84 denotes a cover, 85 denotes a large-diameter square tube, 86 denotes a galvanometer scanner, 87 denotes a reflecting mirror, and 88 denotes a cylindrical lens.

In FIG. 12, a light source 31 that emits low-coherent light, an optical fiber 32 that propagates the light, a lens 60 that is disposed at the tip of the optical fiber 32, and the lens a beam splitter 75 disposed in front of the 60, the right-angle prism 61 a provided in a lower portion of the beam splitter 75, a spatial propagation path, a mirror 78, a reference light generating section composed of a vibrator 73,
A cylindrical lens 88a provided on the beam splitter 75 ;
A one-dimensional image sensor 76 for receiving an optical tomographic image via the cylindrical lens 88a ;
And Shi Lind Khalil lens 88 b disposed in front of the beam splitter 75,
A right-angle prism 61 b to bend at right angles the light path is arranged in front of the sheet Lind Khalil lens 88b on the rear side,
A galvanometer scanner 86 disposed on the back side of the right-angle prism 61b and laterally scanning 55 according to the vibration direction;
An optical system surface plate 34 in a probe provided with an optical system including a mirror 87 configured to reflect the reflected light from the galvanometer scanner 86 in the direction of the semi-cylinder 30 having a small diameter;

A mechanism for moving the optical system platen 34 in the probe back and forth to perform depth direction scanning 56;
Further, the reflection mirror 87 is disposed in the small-diameter semi-cylinder 30, sends the signal light from the reflection mirror 87 downward, acquires the reflection light from the tooth portion 24, and displays the surface image 50. A beam splitter 70 for imaging;
Alternatively, the beam splitter 70 is disposed in the small-diameter semi-cylinder 30 to send the signal light from the mirror 87 forward and to acquire the reflected light from the tooth portion 24 and to capture the surface image 50. When,
A measurement window 12 provided on the side surface or the front surface of the small-diameter semi-cylinder 30, including a camera 36 for acquiring a surface image, a white light source 59 for the camera 36, and a guide optical fiber 58; A signal line extending from the base of a square tube 85 having a diameter and a tube 21 covering the signal line are provided.
Here, the glass rod 74 uses the fact that the refractive index of light is larger than that of air, and the purpose of the glass rod 74 is to shorten the actual optical path length, shorten the overall length of the diagnostic probe, reduce the weight, and improve the operability. If the weight reduction is not a serious problem, such as when the diagnostic probe is fixed to the tip of the articulated arm, it may be omitted.
Further, the cover 84 is detachable, and is attached to the large-diameter square cylinder 85 and the small-diameter semi-cylinder 30 by the O-ring 71 at the time of insertion.
The cover 84 is removed after use and sterilized.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of a pistol-shaped bulk type diagnostic probe articulated arm mounting type,
FIG. 15 is an external perspective view of the signal tube extending type.
In the figure, 89 is a horizontally installed cylinder, 90 is a bottomed cylinder, 91 is a small-diameter semi-cylinder, and 92 is a cover.
In the bulk diagnostic probe,
FIG. 14 shows that the outer shape of the diagnostic probe 9 whose tip is in contact with the tooth portion 24 in the oral cavity 27 has a pistol shape as a whole, and a vertical bottomed cylindrical portion 90 for gripping and freely controlling the posture. And a cylinder 89 horizontally provided with a central portion connected to the upper end of the vertical bottomed cylindrical part 90, and a front end portion of the horizontally provided cylinder 89 projecting from the front end so as to be freely rotatable.
A small-diameter semi-cylinder 91 held by a pin 96;
By attaching to the side surface of the tip of the rotatable semi-cylinder 91 having a small diameter, the measurement window 12 can be directed in any direction, up and down, left and right, or opened in front, and the horizontally installed cylinder 89. A pivoting portion 10 of the pivotable probe is disposed on the outer periphery of the base,
A rotating portion 8 at the tip of the articulated arm 7 is fixed to the side surface of the rotating portion 10 of the probe, and is provided with a mechanism for freely controlling the posture by the movement and stopping at a required position. FIG. 15 includes a signal line extending from the base of the horizontal cylinder 89 and a tube 21 covering the signal line.

FIG. 16 is an external perspective view and a partial perspective view of the cover of the probe for optical diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 100 is an integral cover, 101 is a large cylindrical portion, 102 is a small semi-cylindrical portion, 71 ′ is an O-ring groove, Reference numeral 104 denotes a side measurement window, and 105 denotes an insertion direction.
At this time, the O-ring groove 71 ′ of the integrated cover 100 is fitted into the O-ring 71 of the probe 9 and stops and is in close contact.
In the optical diagnostic device probe 9, the integrated cover 100 attached to and detached from the probe 9 is used for setting the arrangement direction of the side measurement window 104 and disinfecting after use. And the small semi-cylindrical portion 102 projecting forward from its front end,
Alternatively, with respect to the projecting small semi-cylindrical portion 102, it has a shape that is in close contact with each shape and detachable,
Further, a side measurement window 104 or a front measurement window (not shown) is disposed at the tip of the integrated cover 100, and
It can be exchanged according to the direction of irradiation and can be removed and disinfected after use.

FIG. 17 is an external perspective view and a partial perspective view of the separation type cover.
In the figure, 101 'is a cover of a large cylindrical portion, 102' is a cover of a small cylindrical portion, 104 'is a front measurement window, 106 is an insertion direction, 107 is an irradiation direction, 116 and 117 are fitting portions, 71 'Denotes an O-ring groove of the cover, 103 denotes an O-ring groove, and 71 denotes an O-ring.
In this method, only the small cylindrical portion cover 102 ′ can be attached to and detached from the diagnostic probe 9 while the large cylindrical portion cover 101 ′ is inserted.

FIG. 18 is an external perspective view and a partial perspective view of a probe cover having a cushioning material.
In the figure, 114 is a buffer material, and 115 is a measurement window.
In the optical diagnostic device probe 9, a probe cover that is attached to and detached from the diagnostic probe 9 to prevent the body of the probe 9 from impact at the time of mounting and to set the arrangement direction of the measurement window 115 and disinfects after use. In
With respect to the large cylindrical portion 101 (FIG. 16) or the large-diameter square tube 85 (FIG. 12) and the small-diameter semi-cylinder 102 (FIG. 16) projecting forward from the front end portion, along each shape. It consists of two layers of a close cushioning material 114 and an integral cover 121 provided on top of it,
In addition, a measurement window 115 is provided on the side surface or the front surface of the integrated cover 121, and can be replaced and attached in accordance with the irradiation direction, and can be removed and disinfected after use. .
As shown in the figure, the probe main body is covered with the buffer material 114, so that even if there is an impact from the outside, it is possible to maintain a precise optical axis alignment of the optical system inside the main body.

FIG. 19 is a structural diagram that prevents the tip of the probe from shaking by a suction cup.
(A) is a front view, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of (A), (C) is a bottom view of (B), and (D) is an enlarged view of a vacuum portion. .
FIG. 20 is an external view when a suction cup is adsorbed on the side surface of the dentition.
In the figure, 71 'is an O-ring groove of the cover, 108 is a suction cup, 108' is a suction hole, 109 is a measurement window, 110 is a sliding direction of the cover,
Reference numeral 111 denotes a vacuum tube, 112 denotes a vacuum joint, 113 denotes a suction passage, and 119 denotes a cover.
In the optical diagnostic device probe 9, a mechanism for preventing the tip portion of the probe 9 from coming into contact with the tooth portion 24 is shaken.
A suction cup 108 sucked by vacuum is provided before and after the measurement window 109 of the probe cover 119,
As shown in the enlarged view of the vacuum portion, the suction cup 108 introduces a vacuum tube 111 from the outside, disposes a vacuum joint 112 at the connection end of the suction passage 113, and has a suction hole 108 ′ through the suction passage 113. The tooth portion 24 is sucked by the suction cup 108.
Further, the cover 119 can be manually adjusted in the front-rear direction as in the slide direction 110 of the cover, and the suction cup 108 is fixed after moving to an appropriate position before and after the target tooth portion 24 as shown in FIG. .
The fixing is performed by fitting the O-ring groove 71 ′ of the cover adjusted in the front-rear direction to the O-ring 71 disposed at the rear part of the diagnostic probe 9 as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 17.
As described above, the distal end portion of the diagnostic probe 9 is sucked and fixed, and shake can be prevented.

FIG. 21 is a structural diagram for preventing the vibration of the tip of the diagnostic probe 9 by the suction vibration isolator.
(A) is a front view, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. (A), and (C) is a bottom view of FIG.
FIG. 22 is an external view when a vibration isolator is attached to the side surface of the dentition.
In the figure, reference numeral 118 denotes a suction vibration isolator.
Instead of the suction cups having the suction holes shown in FIGS.
An adsorption vibration isolator 118 such as a synthetic resin (elastomer) having elasticity and adhesiveness is used.
Therefore, although a vacuum relationship is not required, the tip of the diagnostic probe 9 is similarly adhesively fixed, and shake can be prevented.

The external appearance perspective view of the built-in type dental optical diagnostic apparatus which was incorporated in the dental chair unit of this invention, and was equipped with the cylindrical diagnostic probe in the front-end | tip part of the articulated arm. The external appearance perspective view of the built-in type dental optical diagnostic apparatus which was integrated in the dental chair unit of this invention, and was equipped with the diagnostic probe at the front-end | tip of a tube. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a diagnostic probe in contact with a tooth portion in the oral cavity during diagnosis. The diagnostic probe figure provided with the measurement window in the side surface of the front-end | tip part of the small semi-cylinder in front of the large cylinder. The diagnostic probe figure provided with the measurement window in front of the large cylinder and the front end of the small semi-cylinder. FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of a probe in which a mirror having a 45 ° inclination is disposed at the tip of a small semi-cylindrical cylinder. The external appearance perspective view of the bulk type diagnostic probe with which the front-end | tip part curved. The figure which has arrange | positioned the signal tube in the base of the probe of FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a large-diameter rectangular tube bulk diagnostic probe. FIG. The external appearance perspective view of the bulk type diagnostic probe of other large diameter square tubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory block diagram of a bulk dental optical diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a large-diameter rectangular tube bulk type diagnostic probe. The bottom view of FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a pistol-shaped bulk type diagnostic probe articulated arm mounting type. The external appearance perspective view of the signal tube extension type. The external appearance perspective view and partial perspective view of the probe cover for optical diagnostic devices of the present invention. The external appearance perspective view and partial perspective view of a separation type cover. The external appearance perspective view and partial perspective view of the probe cover which has a buffer material. FIG. 6 is a structural diagram for preventing the probe tip from shaking by a suction cup. The external view when a suction cup is made to adsorb | suck to the side surface of a dentition. FIG. 6 is a structural diagram for preventing the tip of a probe from shaking by a suction vibration isolator. The external view when a vibration isolator is made to adsorb | suck to the side surface of a dentition.

Explanation of symbols

1: Dental chair unit 2: Built-in optical diagnostic device 3: Main body storage unit 4: Operation unit 5: Display unit 6: Main pole 7: Articulated arm 8: Rotating unit at the arm tip 9: Diagnostic probe 10 : Probe rotating part 11: Probe tip part 12: Measuring window 13: Probe and light pole 14: Light arm 15: Tray table 16: Handpiece holder 17: Chair 18: Spitton 19: Assistant-side handpiece Holder 20: Arm for tray table 21: Tube 22: Probe holder for diagnosis 22 ': Buffer 23: Tip of tube 24: Tooth part 25: Teeth 26: Ginge 27: Oral cavity 28: Finger 29: Large diameter cylinder 30: Small-diameter semi-cylinder 31: light source 32: optical fiber 33: low coherence interferometer 34: optical system surface plate 35 in the probe: signal light 35 ': Optical path 36: Camera 37': Detector 38: Signal line 39: Amplifier 40: Demodulator 41: A / D converter 42: Signal processing unit 43: Computer 44: Storage device 45: LAN connection 46: Printer 47 : Image processing / scanning control unit 48: Signal line 49: Display unit 50: Surface image 51: Designated area 52: Optical tomographic image 53: Measurement pattern 54: Measurement data 55: Horizontal scan 56: Depth scan 57: Image Signal line 58: Optical fiber 59: White light source 60: Lens 60 ': Imaging lens 61: Right angle prism 63: Micro switch 64: Stopper 65: Slide rail 66: Motor 67: Coupling 68: Nut 69: Ball screw 70: Beam Splitter 71: O-ring 71 ′: O-ring groove 72 of cover 72: cover 73: vibrator 74: glass rod 75: beam Plitter 75 ': Polarizing beam splitter 76: Image sensor 77: Mirror 78: Mirror 79: Cover 80: Curved image fiber 81: Measurement window 82: Large diameter cylinder 83: Hollow cone 84: Cover 85: Large diameter corner Tube 86: Galvanometer scanner 87: Reflection mirror 88: Cylindrical lens 89: Horizontally installed cylinder 90: Bottomed cylindrical part 91: Small-diameter semi-cylinder 92: Cover 96: Pin 97: Rotating part 98: Linear polarizing plate 99 : 1/4 wavelength plate 100: Integrated cover 101: Large cylindrical part 101 ′: Large cylindrical part cover 102: Small semi-cylindrical part 102 ′: Small cylindrical part cover 103: O-ring groove 104: Side measurement window 104 ': Front measurement window 105: Insertion direction 106: Insertion direction 107: Irradiation direction 108: Suction cup 108' Suction hole 109: Measurement window 110: Cover sliding direction 111: Vacuum tube 112: Vacuum joint 113: Suction passage 114: Buffer material 115: Measurement window 116, 117: Fitting portion 118: Suction vibration isolator 119: Cover 120: Cover 121: Integrated cover 122 : Foot switch 123: Spatial propagation path

Claims (6)

(1) Illumination light emitting means for irradiating illumination light to the teeth of the subject;
Means for imaging a surface image by reflected light reflected by the tooth portion of the subject based on the illumination light through an imaging lens;
An observation image display means for displaying an image of the observed tooth image;
(2) means for generating low coherent light having a wavelength in the range from visible light to normal infrared light for irradiating the tooth part;
Scanning a predetermined region of the tooth portion using the low coherent light as signal light, reflected light from a predetermined deep portion in the scanning region,
Provided in a dental optical diagnostic apparatus comprising OCT means for acquiring an optical tomographic image of the scanning region by interference with a reference light having a slight frequency difference from the signal light or given phase modulation. A probe (9) ,
(3) (a) The probe (9) has a bulk type (spatial propagation type) signal acquisition configuration for acquiring the optical tomographic image,
(B) The configuration of the probe (9) , whose tip is in contact with the tooth,
A large-diameter rectangular tube (85) for gripping and controlling the posture freely,
A small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) projecting forward from its front end;
A measurement window (12) opened on the side or front of the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) ;
A signal line extending from the base of the large-diameter rectangular tube (85) and a tube covering the signal line;
(C) And inside the square tube (85) having a large diameter, a surface plate having the following configuration, that is, a light source (31) emitting low coherent light,
An optical fiber (32) for propagating light from the light source (31) ;
A lens (60) disposed at the tip of the optical fiber (32) ;
A beam splitter (75) disposed in front of the lens (60) ;
A reference light generator comprising a right-angle prism (61a) , a spatial propagation path, a mirror (78), and a vibrator (73) provided at a lower portion of the beam splitter (75);
A cylindrical lens (88a) provided on the beam splitter (75); a one-dimensional image sensor (76) for receiving an optical tomographic image via the cylindrical lens (88a) ;
A cylindrical lens (88b) disposed in front of the beam splitter (75);
A right angle prism (61b) which is disposed in front of the cylindrical curyl lens 88b and bends the optical path at a right angle to the back side;
A galvanometer scanner (86) disposed on the back side of the right-angle prism (61b) and scanning laterally according to the vibration direction;
A surface plate provided with an optical system comprising a mirror (87) for reflecting the reflected light from the galvanometer scanner (86) in the direction of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) ;
And a mechanism for moving the surface plate back and forth to perform scanning in the depth direction,
(D) Further, in the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) , the signal light from the mirror (87) is sent to the measurement window ( opened on the side surface or the front surface of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30)). 12) and a beam splitter (70) for acquiring reflected light from the tooth portion and capturing a surface image;
A camera (36) for surface image acquisition and a white light source (59) for the camera (36) ;
A probe for a dental optical diagnostic device, comprising: a measurement window (12) provided on a side surface or a front surface of the tip of the small-diameter semi-cylinder (30) .   The probe for a dental optical diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rotatable ring-shaped rotating part is disposed on a base outer periphery of the large-diameter square tube, and a plurality of ring-shaped rotating parts are arranged on a side surface of the ring-shaped rotating part. A dental optical diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the distal end portion of a joint arm is fixed, and the posture of the probe can be freely controlled and stopped at a required position by moving them.   The probe for an optical diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a probe cover that is attached to and detached from the probe, and the probe cover is a small-diameter half protruding forward from the large-diameter rectangular tube and its front end. It has a shape that can be closely attached to and removed from the cylinder along each shape, and has a measurement window on the side or front of the front end of the cover, which can be removed and disinfected after use. A probe for dental optical diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above. The probe for an optical diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a probe cover to be attached to and detached from the probe cover, wherein the probe cover prevents the probe main body from an impact at the time of mounting and can be sterilized after use. so,
Two layers of cushioning material in close contact with each other with respect to the large-diameter square tube and a small-diameter semi-cylinder projecting forward from the front end portion thereof, and an outer surface cover provided thereon More
A probe for a dental optical diagnostic apparatus, wherein a measurement window is provided on a side surface or a front surface of the front end of the cover. The probe for an optical diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 includes a mechanism for preventing shaking thereof, and the mechanism has a suction cup sucked by a vacuum before and after the measurement window of the probe cover,
In addition, the cover has a mechanism that can be adjusted back and forth manually,
A probe for a dental optical diagnostic apparatus, characterized in that the suction cup can be fixed after moving to an appropriate position before and after a target tooth portion. The probe for an optical diagnostic device according to claim 3 or 4 includes a mechanism for preventing the shake thereof, and the mechanism includes a vibration isolator having elasticity before and after the measurement window of the probe cover,
In addition, the cover has a mechanism that can be adjusted back and forth manually,
A probe for a dental optical diagnostic apparatus, characterized in that the vibration isolator can be fixed after moving to an appropriate position before and after the target tooth.

Images